'Redneck Hockey' Alive and Well

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Coach Glen Hanlon told us before the game that Nicklas Backstrom will center a line with Francois Bouchard and Tomas Fleischmann in his first preseason game. The veterans that will dress include captain Chris Clark, Boyd Gordon, Matt Pettinger and Ben Clymer along with defensemen John Erskine and Josef Boumedienne. Some of the other younger players of note include forwards Dave Steckel, Andrew Gordon, Kyle Wilson and Chris Bourque and defensemen Karl Alzner, Mike Green and Josh Godfrey. Brent Johnson and Michal Neuvirth will be in net.\

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The original practice schedule had only two groups on the ice at K-Plex tomorrow, which would have meant a healthy round of cuts. But tomorrow’s schedule has been altered to include Group C, and Hanlon said they will keep the guys who will be sent to Hershey around until Wednesday. The Bears start practice on Thursday.\

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Also, Alexander Semin returned to practice today after crashing into the boards and suffering a cut near his left eye.\